How much power does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power have?
The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power delivers 44 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms in stereo ultralinear, or 85 watts into 8 ohms bridged to mono. Triode mode, switchable from the remote, delivers roughly half that.
Does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power use vacuum tubes?
Yes. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power is an all-valve amplifier: vacuum tubes do the amplifying from input to output. It runs 4x EL34 output, 6x 12AU7 input.
Does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power need biasing?
Biasing is Adaptive AutoBias. That means the amplifier sets the operating point of each output valve itself, so there is nothing to adjust and nothing to measure - you can change tubes without a meter or a screwdriver.
How long do the tubes in the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power last?
Output valves are a consumable. In normal domestic use a set lasts somewhere between about 2,000 and 5,000 hours - a few years for most people - and they degrade gradually rather than failing outright. Input and driver valves last far longer, often the life of the amplifier. Check the warranty card before you buy: valves are almost never covered by the amplifier's own parts warranty, and are usually warranted separately for 90 days to a year.
What speakers suit the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power?
A valve amplifier is judged on the speaker's sensitivity, not just on watts. At 44 watts, the safe rule of thumb is a speaker of about 90 dB or better - an insensitive speaker will run out of headroom long before the amplifier sounds bad. It also has 4 / 8 / 16 ohm in stereo, 2 / 4 / 8 ohm in mono output transformer taps. A valve amplifier has no minimum impedance the way a transistor amplifier does; you match the tap to the speaker, and a speaker whose impedance swings a long way will shift the tonal balance slightly because a valve amplifier follows that curve.
What amplifier class is the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power?
The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power have a built-in DAC?
No. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power?
No. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power have Bluetooth?
No. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power have a headphone output?
No. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power cost?
The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,695.